Labyrinth

Not a maze, but a romantic ruin with a lot of history.

The ’Labyrinth’ is an artificial ruin deep in the citizens’ park Theresienstein. A trip there will be worth your while, no matter during which season of the year – it is exceptionally beautiful in May, when knight roam the area.

It is really worth it to climb up the 70 steps of the 16 m high tower of the Labyrinth as the view of Hof and its scenic surrounding area from up there is simply magnificent. If you have a good view you may even be able to see a far as Saxony.

The constructions at the Labyrinth, of all the parts of the park Theresienstein, have the longest tradition. A maze, which was planted by a teacher for the pupils of Hof, has existed in the 17th century already. As the construction was supposed to create the illusion of a decaying medieval castle, using the remaining archway of the Hofer castle, which was burnt down in 1743, was the obvious choice. The Labyrinth construction did surely shape out to be an incredibly popular destination for the Hofer citizens due to its beautiful location and the lovely view in all directions.

The construction was supposed to create the illusion of a decaying medieval castle. The ruin with its round bastion and attic were artificially created. In this process the Gothic archway of the Hofer castle, which was burnt down in 1743, was integrated into the construction. At times the Labyrinth was even run.

Once a year all sorts of knights have a lock on this site: the castle festival is well placed in such a setting.

Then the Hofer citizens’ park Theresienstein is in the hands of medieval jesters, knights and vagabonds. They call themselves Pax Ignis, the Rabenvolk or the outlawed and like to provide the visitors with an insight into the authentic medieval attitude to life. For a whole weekend they offer activities, games and demonstrations.